On 5th January 2013 a partnership ceremony with Scottish Qualifications Authority (SQA) with United Maritime Academy (UMA) was held at the UMA premises.

This Partnership allows UMA to provide the cadets the Higher National Diploma (HND) certificate and creates a new glorious era for Bangladeshi Mariner.The ceremony was attended by the Chief of Naval Staff Vice Admiral Zahir Uddin Ahmed (ND), ndc, psc as a Chief Guest. Ms. Margaret Curran and MR. Nandi from SQA, the Chairman of United Group (UG), also the Director General of Shipping (DOS) Government of Bangladesh was present as the special guest of the Ceremony.